It was in Antioch that the disciples were for the first time called Christians.
-Acts 11:26 (MSG)
The church in Antioch is booming. Both Jews and Gentiles are becoming believers left and right. Barnabas visits the city and is encouraged. He later comes back with Saul, and they remain in Antioch for a year teaching to as many as will listen.
With all that was going on, I guess someone decided they ought to have a name. These disciples needed an identity all of their own. So people there started calling them “Christians”.
The term “Christian” is only in the Bible a handful of times, but I have never paid attention to the significance of its first mentioning in Antioch. Notice that the disciples didn’t brainstorm to come up with some edgy, catchy ministry name. Instead, others just called them what they were — Christ-like people, or Christians.
It’s kind of like a nickname. You don’t just give yourself a nickname. Other people give you a nickname based on things you do and who you are.
I identify myself as a Christian all the time. It’s my religious affiliation. It’s my faith. It’s my life. It’s who I am. Or so I say.
If people started studying my life, I can’t help but wonder what nickname I would end up with. Would I come away with such a flattering title like the disciples in Antioch?
It’s sad to think, but if I got the name I deserved, would others call me a Christian?
